"My name is Jing Yuan, general of the Xianzhou Luofu. I must apologize for failing to prepare a proper welcome for your distinguished arrival."
"You're too kind, General Jing Yuan. Please, sit." Lingchen knew Jing Yuan was pointing out that he had arrived uninvited, but he said nothing about it.
Lingchen gestured toward the other side of the table. Jing Yuan sat down, and Lingchen handed him a cup of milk tea as well.
That made Bailu, who had been about to get up and sit opposite Lingchen, obediently settle back into her seat.
"My name is Lingchen. I've long heard of the Xianzhou's fine reputation, and my original world had some similarities to it, so this place feels more familiar to me than other civilizations. Besides, I'm all alone, with no family to feed but myself. With nothing else to do, I decided to live here for a while."
"I simply dislike trouble. To avoid any suspicion, I decided to come straight in and explain my reasons once you arrived, General. After all, there's no conflict between us."
Lingchen took out a cup of milk tea for himself and raised it.
Jing Yuan's expression turned a little strange. Who made a toast with milk tea?
Still, he did not embarrass Lingchen. He raised his own milk tea and clinked cups with him, and they each took a sip.
Actually, this free milk tea tasted quite good.
After observing him, Jing Yuan was reasonably certain that the Emanator named Lingchen before him was not a bad person.
After all, his gaze was open and honest, without a trace of evasion, and he made no attempt to hide how much he doted on Bailu.
Jing Yuan even wondered whether Lingchen had feelings for Bailu. But given Bailu's age... by Vidyadhara standards, he would still have to wait a little while.
"Indeed. But as an Emanator, Mr. Lingchen, where do you intend to settle on the Xianzhou?"
"Huh? An Emanator?"
Bailu's eyes widened, and she cried out in surprise.
This man who kept doting on her for no apparent reason was an Emanator?
"You're an Emanator?!"
"That's right, little Bailu."
"I'm not little! If we're talking about age, I'm definitely older than you."
Because of how Lingchen had treated her earlier, Bailu was not all that frightened after her initial surprise, though her tone did grow a little more timid.
"Yes, yes. And? Don't you like the desserts I gave you, little Bailu?"
P.S. Thanks to Dragon Phoenix for the monthly ticket.
Chapter 14: Treat Me with Courtesy, and I Shall Return It
"Or do you not like having someone dote on you?"
"I-it's not that I don't like it. I just don't understand why you're doting on me when this is our first time meeting."
There was a hint of confusion in Bailu's eyes.
Of course she liked having someone dote on her. She could let her true nature shine, just as she had earlier. With Lingchen protecting her, she could enjoy a proper feast of desserts without having to worry about the Vidyard Elders' displeasure.
But this unexplained affection really did frighten her a little. She was afraid that once she got used to it and started relying on it, it would suddenly disappear.
Jing Yuan shared Bailu's confusion.
"Because I know you."
"You know us?"
Jing Yuan looked puzzled. Surely this was their first meeting.
"Of course." Lingchen nodded solemnly. He could hardly say, I played you in a game in my past life. That would be far too ridiculous.
"The Aeon of [Elation] saw that I came from a backwater and knew very little about the outside world. Perhaps out of pity, the Aeon sent me most of the relevant information."
When in doubt, let Aha bail you out.
Anything strange or bizarre could be pinned on Aha.
What a wonderful trash can that Aeon was.
A faint laugh seemed to drift through the void.
Do you take me for an idiot?
The corner of Jing Yuan's mouth twitched. Who would believe an excuse like that?
Still, considering the [Lord of Eternal Joy]'s usual behavior, it did not seem entirely impossible.
"Besides, Bailu is lovable in her own right, and she even said I was her good friend. Faced with those attendants and the look in her eyes, how could I bear to refuse?"
Seeing that Jing Yuan was not quite convinced, Lingchen added this with righteous conviction.
Now that's the real reason!
Jing Yuan believed him. Bailu was indeed adorable and easy to like. It was just that he was not a Vidyadhara and could not do much to help her.
In truth, even if he did not believe it, there was little he could do. Continuing to press the issue would be unwise. They were both Emanators, after all, and the man had come with goodwill. Jing Yuan could not go too far.
That would leave everyone looking bad. Jing Yuan was no fool; he knew when to stop.
A blush rose on Bailu's slightly round cheeks.
After all, this was the first time in her life that someone had praised her so directly.
As for whether Lingchen was lying to her, that did not matter. She only wanted a reason.
Whatever reason he gave, she could use it to convince herself and then try getting to know this "good friend."
"Are you an Emanator of [Elation], Mr. Lingchen?"
Jing Yuan asked another question.
"That's right."
Lingchen readily took out his mask and showed it off. Jing Yuan instantly sensed the aura of [Elation].
"But the Aeon forced this on me. I'm actually quite a serious person, and I don't need this power at all."
Lingchen looked miserable, like a pitiful young boy forcibly kissed by a burly woman, his eyes brimming with tears as he had no choice but to accept it.
"..."
Yes, yes, of course. Who just forces an Emanator's power onto someone? And what serious person catches the attention of the Aeon of [Elation]?
Even that milk-tea toast earlier was hardly something an ordinary person would do.
Still, Jing Yuan now knew who the newly appeared Emanator Qingzu had mentioned was, and which faction he belonged to.
But that realization brought worries of its own.
Everyone knew that followers of [Elation] were hardly a well-behaved bunch. They loved seeking amusement, and if there was none to be found, they would create some themselves.
That went doubly for an Emanator of [Elation]. Whatever entertainment he stirred up might be more than Jing Yuan could handle, and could even affect the Luofu itself.
Yet he could not simply drive the man away. If Lingchen was telling the truth, however slim that possibility might be, the Xianzhou could gain the friendship of an Emanator of [Elation]. Besides, he genuinely seemed to care for Bailu, and his gaze looked rather... innocent.
Whether that innocence was an act or not, as long as they did nothing to provoke him, Lingchen had no reason to attack the Xianzhou.
Asking him to leave the Xianzhou, earning his ill will, and ultimately bringing some nasty prank down on them was certainly not something a competent leader would do.
Lingchen really had handed him a difficult problem.
At last, Jing Yuan made his decision.
"You don't have a residence on the Luofu yet, do you, Mr. Lingchen?"
"No, I was just about to buy one~"
"How about this? You mentioned coming from a backwater. Though I have the authority to offer you a residence, an ordinary home would hardly suit someone of your standing."
"Besides, to be perfectly honest, even as general, I must tread carefully these days. I dare not make any unnecessary moves."
As he spoke, Jing Yuan sighed, as though burdened by worries, and even looked a little more weary. It was three parts genuine and seven parts acting, but convincing all the same.
"As it happens, Miss Fu Xuan, the master diviner of the Luofu's Divination Commission, owns a mansion with many rooms. She is usually busy with work, so the house is largely empty. If you don't mind, you could stay there and spare yourself the expense. You could spend your days drinking tea and taking a pet bird out for a stroll-a pleasant life indeed."
"Once you have more funds available, you need only cover the cost of the land, and I can take the opportunity to provide you with a fine residence."
Was this really about not daring to give him a house?
Wasn't this blatant "surveillance"?
He was simply worried that assigning someone else would upset Lingchen, and had specifically mentioned that the master diviner was a woman.
Likewise, even if Lingchen had not known what the Divination Commission could do, he would find out later. And if his claims were true, he certainly knew what its master diviner was capable of. This was also a way of asking him not to stir up too much trouble for amusement.
After all, Jing Yuan had specifically suggested tea and bird walks. Wasn't that saying he could have his fun, so long as he did not go overboard?
In short, after a period of observation, if he proved trustworthy, acted as he said he would, and did not harm the Xianzhou, he would be allowed a place of his own, with no further surveillance. By then, they would all be good friends.
Treat me with courtesy, and I shall return it.
That was what he meant.
These generals really were never simple men.
Still, Lingchen did not mind. His identity as an Emanator of [Elation] would be discovered sooner or later, and once it was, he would inevitably be watched.
After all, when it came to the followers of [Elation], those who knew, knew.
He was already quite happy with this arrangement.
Especially since he would get to live in Fu Xuan's mansion. Plenty of people would probably cry with envy.
"Deal!"
Chapter 15: Just Call Me Fu Xuan
Seeing Lingchen agree so readily, Jing Yuan breathed a sigh of relief.
It seemed this Emanator was quite reasonable.
"Then I shall take my leave. With an Emanator visiting the Luofu, I must go to the Seat of Divine Foresight to register your arrival. That way, should anything happen and the marshal inquire, I will have an explanation ready. Such are the Xianzhou's regulations. I hope you understand."
Besides, he also had to notify Fu Xuan. Having secretly arranged a "neighbor" for her, he would probably get an earful.
Jing Yuan gave a wry chuckle.
Still, if Fu Xuan refused, he would have to arrange somewhere else, even at the risk of displeasing Lingchen. Perhaps Yanqing's residence, or a place next door to his own. After all, Fu Xuan was a woman, and sharing a mansion with Lingchen would inevitably spark some gossip.
But Yanqing was rather guileless and might end up being played like a fiddle.
Such was the trouble with having so few capable people available on the Luofu.
If he had anyone else suitable, he probably would not need Fu Xuan to take this risk and keep watch.
As the master diviner, she already had plenty of people watching her.
But there was no helping it. Someone who would not offend Lingchen, could observe him at close range, could perform divinations at any time, and ranked among the finest Pathstriders in strength-no matter how he considered the requirements, they practically spelled out her name.
Besides, although he was fairly certain Lingchen was harmless, who knew whether it was all an act? He was an Emanator of [Elation], after all.
This was a risky move.
"No problem. I've finished eating, and so has little Bailu, so I'll come along with you, General. I'm rather curious about the decor at the Seat of Divine Foresight, too."
Too much was as bad as too little. He had teased Bailu enough for one day. She needed some time to settle down and process it all.
Besides, Bailu was full now. Even if they stayed, they would have to leave before long.
"And since you're arranging somewhere for me to stay, I ought to meet my 'landlady.'"
"Very well. I'll notify Fu Xuan first, and we can set off now."
Jing Yuan smiled faintly. It seemed this man did have a sense of propriety.
After Jing Yuan contacted Fu Xuan directly through his Jade Abacus and Lingchen obtained Bailu's contact details, the two men headed straight for the Seat of Divine Foresight.
Bailu stayed behind and polished off the remaining desserts. Lingchen had already paid for the tea earlier, so she could eat without worry.
Inside the Seat of Divine Foresight, Lingchen and Jing Yuan had already been talking for a while.
For the most part, though, Jing Yuan was introducing the various distinctive features of the Xianzhou Luofu while Lingchen listened.
Far from finding it tedious, he listened with keen interest.
After all, the game from his previous life had ultimately been just a game. Many of its descriptions differed from reality, and some details could only be learned here.
Clothing, for instance, had looked largely uniform in the game due to various constraints, but in reality, a vast array of styles flourished.
It also made Lingchen realize that this was, ultimately, a real world.
"I'm here, General. Where is this person you mentioned? You had better give me a proper explanation. I haven't finished my divinations yet."